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Creamy Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Creamy Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta - featured image
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A quick and easy creamy Alfredo pasta with a spicy Cajun twist, tender chicken, and fresh spinach, perfect for satisfying weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
  • Salted water for boiling pasta
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves minced garlic
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken strips dry with paper towels. Toss them in Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add fettuccine and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
  4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Melt butter, then sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
  6. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
  7. Add cooked pasta, Cajun chicken strips, and fresh spinach to the sauce. Toss gently until spinach wilts and pasta is coated.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or Cajun seasoning if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Wilt spinach last to keep it vibrant. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-grated. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and Parmesan with vegan cheese. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken, Alfredo pasta, creamy pasta, spicy pasta, weeknight dinner, chicken pasta, spinach pasta

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-alfredo-pasta-recipe-perfect-for-easy-weeknight-dinners/